Mayor Proclamation - Message from Toni Gosssard***Click the photo to enlarge! My name is Toni Gossard and I am the founder of the National Dachshund Races in Findlay, Ohio. I would like to share a few facts with you about this event as it has come to my attention that when a Google Search is performed, an article comes up from a Blog that due to nothing this blog has done wrong or inappropriate, it gives the appearance that ALL Dachshund Races are bad including ours and as I am quite proud of what we have achieved over many years, would like to correct this misconception.

What has happened is that in this one thread, my National Dachshund Race logo is prominent and our web address is clearly displayed (http://www.weinerrace.com) and unfortunately, this was all that was used to start the thread and is what is causing the problem. As our National Dachshund Races Logo and Web Address are clearly shown and as everyone is entitled to their opinion, the next thread response is someone that is both misinformed about the true nature of most (however I wish I could say all) Dachshund Racing Events and obviously did not take a moment to learn about our races held each year by visiting our website before simply condemning them altogether and used completely inaccurate information (or in other words a one size fits all approach). We consider this a shame and want to take a moment to set the record straight. We truly wish we did not have to as we have been doing this for many years with nary a negative word and many, many positive ones. We would also like to make it clear this Blog has done nothing inappropriate, it is strictly an unfortunate bad result due to the way search engines function. We are working with them now to see if we can correct this unfortunate situation.

Specifically what is happening is that when someone Google's The National Dachshund Races or Dachshund Races, this thread comes up prominently (which is good for them) however since I only used my logo and web link, Google is using the text from the disparaging remarks and attributing them to our races which is harming to us as an organization that solely benefits Charities, and me personally as I am a Dachshund Lover and would never dream of hurting an animal of any type in any way. I am quite proud of what we have achieved and this took many hard years and much work to do so. To set the record straight as to our event:

  1. Safety of all dogs is of paramount importance at our event. This is why I have a professional veterinarian on hand from start to finish at this event. He is there to answer any and all questions that anyone has. Cuddles (one of my own Dachshunds) hurt her back (not at the races) and was in a cart and we are able through experience to talk about what we did to help her walk again and this was before I started the races.

  2. Education is one of the many things that every-one has the opportunity to learn about with Dachshunds and other breeds. Through demonstrations, we are able to show and tell about many things and just to name a few, puppy mills, why it is important to spay and neuter your dog and service dogs. People have a chance to meet cuddles who is now a service dog along with many other kinds of service dogs present. Learn about therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, K-9 dogs and just plain fun you can have with your dog.

  3. In 6 years, The National Dachshund Races has had no dog fights period! You are given a bag with information and clean up items upon entry.

  4. Adult Dachshunds ages 1-9 race 35 feet (NOT YARDS, as is a common misconception) puppy's 1 year and younger race 20 feet and seniors race age 9 and over, 20 feet. There is a starting gate and other than simple coaxing, we do not allow the extreme to push ANY Dachshund to win and if we see this, we stop it. The winners get a glass engraved medal and ribbons for first, second and third place and when you pre-register you receive a certificate of attendance and your dogs name will be in the program as a keepsake. Win or Lose does not matter here. We want all participants to be recognized. If you register your dog in a charity event, that Charity will send you a thank you along with their 501 c information for your taxes. The events are inside a building at the fair grounds not outdoors at the mercy of the weather.

  5. There are 13 events to enter as well. The Mayors cup is an agility course.

  6. Last year, Meet the Breed started to show people about the many breeds of dogs out there NOT just Dachshunds.

  7. Adopt-a-thon - 7 rescues came and set up and many dogs found new and good homes.

  8. This is a place that a whole family can come to and have a great and fun day. This is exactly what we promote and wish NO LESS! While I understand that people have issues about Dachshund Racing and as I stated everyone is allowed his or her own opinions, we only ask that people take the time to learn about our event. Not all are the same and I am again, quite proud of this. I also have been to Dachshund Events that I would never let my dogs participate in that is why I try to make this event one that stands out for all the good things it does. I have been asked to sit on and become an adviser to setting up rules for Dachshund Racing across the USA. I take my event and the event in general quite seriously and hope you will come to the conclusion, that we DO NOT belong in the group of bad racers, but in our own of good responsible Dachshund lovers and citizens.

At the top is a Mayors Proclamation endorsed by the AKC on our event so you can see for yourself; we DO NOT belong in the category that some would like to fit us into. Just click on this image to see it full size. I will also GLADLY answer ANY questions you may have by contacting me through our contact us form.

Sincerely,

Toni Gossard
Founder and Coordinator
National Dachshund Races
Findlay, Ohio (419) 420-7339